Housekeeping · 옷 관리

Remove pills from wool knitwear in 6 steps: hands, a gentle comb and careful shaving

Pilling is caused by friction. Start by removing a few pills by hand, then consider a gentle knit comb or fabric shaver after checking the fabric.

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Wikimedia Commons · Ryj / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0; no changes. Photo is a pilling close-up, not a removal demonstration. · CC BY-SA 3.0 ↗

Pills often collect at elbows, underarms and side seams where rubbing is common. Removing pills is separate from washing. Loose knits and decorated garments need extra care; do not force a perfectly smooth finish.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

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1. Read the care label and inspect the knit. Check its wool blend and look for loose stitches, snags or damage. Repair damaged areas first; do not scrape a fragile surface.
2. Make sure the garment is fully dry and lay it flat on a clean surface. Locate pills around elbows, underarms and side seams, supporting the knit so it cannot stretch.
3. For just a few pills, gently remove them with your fingers. Never pull a long yarn or snag, and do not force off a knot that remains attached.
4. If using a wool-safe comb, test an inconspicuous area first. Use very light, short strokes and stop immediately if the tool catches a stitch or stretches the material.
5. Test a fabric shaver on a flat hidden patch and follow its instructions. Avoid buttons, zippers, seams, delicate lace and loose stitches; never press hard or repeatedly grind one spot.
6. Gently clear the loose fuzz and reduce future friction. For washable wool, follow the label and turn garments inside out; Woolmark recommends avoiding fabric softener to help prevent pilling.

Your try-it-at-home checklist

Further reading

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